What Does 1 Kings 8:61 Mean?

Nathan the prophet learns of Adonijah's conspiracy and acts quickly to ensure David's promise to Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, is fulfilled. He instructs Bathsheba to go to King David and remind him of his oath that Solomon would be his successor. As she is speaking with the king, Nathan enters to confirm her report. Stirred to action, David gives immediate orders for Solomon to be anointed as king. Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah lead Solomon on David's own mule to the Gihon Spring, where he is anointed. The trumpet is blown, and the people celebrate, shouting, "God save king Solomon!" The news quickly reaches Adonijah's feast, and his supporters, realizing their plot has failed, abandon him in fear. Adonijah himself flees and takes hold of the horns of the altar, seeking sanctuary. Solomon grants him a conditional pardon, telling him he will be spared as long as he shows himself to be a worthy man. 1 Kings 2: David's Final Charge and Solomon's Consolidation of Power As David's death approaches, he gives his final charge to his son and successor, Solomon. He first exhorts him to be strong and to be faithful to the covenant of the Lord, keeping His statutes and commandments, so that he may prosper and that the Lord may fulfill the promise of the Davidic dynasty. David then gives Solomon a series of political instructions, advising him on how to deal with certain men who had been part of his own long and complex reign. He tells Solomon to bring justice upon Joab for his past murders and upon Shimei for his curses, and to show kindness to the sons of Barzillai, who had supported David during Absalom's rebellion. After giving this charge, David dies and is buried in the City of David.